Design Engineering Technologies at Utah Valley University

Orem, UT · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

one of the larger campuses at 27,481 students in Orem, UT.

Program Analysis

Graduates of Utah Valley University's Design Engineering Technologies program earn $55,893/yr in their first year — 33% above the $42,040 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 55.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

Ranked #12 out of 45 programs, Utah Valley University's Design Engineering Technologies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $55,893 to $70,247 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 15 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design Engineering Technologies, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

57 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
52
Low End
57
Score
59
High End
Earnings $55,893/yr (33% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$733K
5.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
58.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,540
Out-of-state: $35,660
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,247
26% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Design Engineering Technologies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720 -5.6% 43%
Mechanical drafters $68,510 -6.5% 50%
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280 +4.1% 46%
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720
-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof
Mechanical drafters
$68,510
-6.5% growth 50% AI-proof
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280
+4.1% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

About Design Engineering Technologies Careers

Your career begins by transforming an engineer's rough sketch into a precise digital model. As an architectural drafter, you might spend your day in an office using software like Revit to create detailed blueprints for a new office building, then visit the construction site to verify measurements. As a mechanical drafter, you’d use SolidWorks to model a complex machine part, ensuring every tolerance is perfect for manufacturing.

Read the full Design Engineering Technologies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Design Engineering Technologies Overview

Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Utah Valley University

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Utah Valley University's Design Engineering Technologies program score?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Design Engineering Technologies field.
Will AI affect Design Engineering Technologies careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $584,764 in decade earnings vs $732,605 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Design Engineering Technologies graduates?
There are 15 registered apprenticeships connected to Design Engineering Technologies occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →